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Katie Niederee, a GBHS graduate, was recently picked by Sen. Jerry Moran to join his team as a Senate press secretary. It meant a move to Washington D.C., where she is settling in after two months. This week, she had the unique opportunity to visit with some of Great Bend's elected officials and Chamber members that unknowingly set her on her path when she took part in the Great Bend Youth Academy in seventh grade. "I will never forget the opportunities Howard Partington and Mayor Allison gave me through the Great Bend City Youth academy program," Niederee said ...

At its first ever open house, the Army National Guard units based at the Great Bend Expo Complex showed military equipment, building facilities and held some fun activities for children. The facility in Great Bend shares two units, an artillery-radar unit, and a transportation unit for large trucks.

When Roger Dick was diagnosed with cancer, his physician suggested surgery right away. Then, as if there weren't enough decisions to make, Dick learned he might be eligible for a clinical trial through the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

With clear skies expected in Great Bend Friday evening, the sound of thunder filling the air west of town won't be coming from the skies. The 2013 drag racing season opens with a Test and Tune and Grudge Match at the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association drag strip located at the Great Bend Expo Complex. Marking the 60th anniversary of the SCRA, it's not going to be a quiet one.

Preliminary Damage Assessments began March 11 in a number of Kansas counties affected by the severe winter storms that struck the state in February. The assessments will gather data to determine if any of the counties will be eligible to apply for federal Public Assistance money to recoup disaster-related expenses.

The residents of Barton County will cast their ballots for a host of city, school and other officials come the general election Tuesday, April 2. The candidates had to register by Tuesday and there was no need for a primary.

The state of Kansas has been ranked first in its region for economic development projects in Site Selection magazine's 2012 rankings. Site Selection, which has compiled annual economic development rankings since 1978, listed Kansas 13th among all states for expansions and new facilities opened in 2012.

Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes reported to the City Council Monday night that the first-ever Miss Barton County and Miss Golden Belt Pageant held March 9 at Great Bend High School was a crowning achievement.

The Great Bend fire department was called to a structure fire around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at 821 Morphy Street. A white Chevrolet SUV was on fire, which caught the detached garage behind the house on fire. Firefighters sprayed fire-retardant foam on the fire for several minutes until a front-end loader arrived, and the vehicle was pulled from the building by a chain. Once in the open, firefighters were able to open doors to the vehicle and finish putting the fire out.